SKYNYRD REMEMBERED

I was really saddened to learn of the death of Gary Rossington this winter, the last surviving member of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd.

I totally adored Skynyrd in the early Seventies, along with my mates too. Their southern rock was the perfect foil to the harder rock of British bands we loved too like Budgie and Zep.

In February 1977 I was lucky enough to see Skynyrd live at Lancaster University. Ronnie Van Zant had no shoes on and all my fave songs were played from albums like Pronounced, Second Helping and Nuthin Fancy. Gary melted my face with his brill guitaring. It was ace!

Tragically by the end of 1977 most of the band were dead, having died in a terrible and cruel plane crash.

Amazingly though Gary survived, fought on and carried on the band's vibe, but 46 years on, has now sadly gone as well.

Its the end of a fantastic era and I tip my hat one more time to the final passing of that glorious band I loved in the Seventies. Gary has joined you in the big jam guys.

RIP Gary Rossington.